UAE Facilitates US-Russia Prisoner Exchange in Abu Dhabi, Aiming to De-escalate Tensions

The United Arab Emirates successfully mediated a prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia, which took place in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. This involved the exchange of one Russian citizen, Artur Petrov, for one US citizen, Ksenia Karelina. Representatives from both countries were present to oversee the process. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its appreciation to the governments of the US and the Russian Federation for their confidence in the UAE, hoping that these efforts will lead to de-escalating tensions and enhancing dialogue and understanding, to achieve security and stability both regionally and internationally. Ksenia Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russian national, was arrested in Russia for allegedly donating to a Ukrainian charity. In return, the United States released Artur Petrov, a dual German-Russian citizen, who was arrested for allegedly exporting sensitive microelectronics to Russia. The exchange highlights the UAE's role in facilitating diplomatic solutions and fostering positive relations between nations.